Even before he agreed to restructure his contract, we knew quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/1181/ben-roethlisberger) would be back with the Steelers in 2013.

It’s less clear who will be backing him up. Byron Leftwich (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/1478/byron-leftwich) and Charlie Batch (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/655/charlie-batch) are both free agents and there hasn’t been much discussion about the future for either one in Pittsburgh. In an interview with WXDX in Pittsburgh, Batch said the lack of any goodbyes from the Steelers leads him to believe that he’ll be carrying a clipboard for them again next season.

“My plan is to come back (http://sportsradiointerviews.com/2013/02/28/charlie-batch-pittsburgh-steelers-lamarr-woodley-controversy-contract-situation-nfl/), and I haven’t heard anything differently from the organization,” Batch said, via SportsRadioInterviews.com “And I think when you leave out of there at the end-of-the-year meetings, you know one way or the other. And they didn’t tell me that they didn’t want me back. So I think that’s a good sign.”

Batch also was asked to weigh in on the hot topic of late in Pittsburgh, namely the anonymous Steeler who leveled criticism at linebacker LaMarr Woodley (http://www.rotoworld.com/player/nfl/4224/lamarr-woodley)’s work ethic. Batch had a less negative reaction about the player’s choice to share thoughts about Woodley than some of his teammates, but added that he doubted neither Woodley’s ability nor his desire to help the team.

SteelersCanada

02-28-2013, 01:06 PM

Well, shit.

harrison'samonster

02-28-2013, 01:06 PM

this is good news. I want either Batch or Leftwich back. Batch did pretty well when he came into play as a back up this past season.

Fire Haley

02-28-2013, 01:24 PM

I'll take him back, but Lefty has to go.

pczach

02-28-2013, 02:21 PM

At least one of them has to go. I think Charlie has done enough for this team to be on the roster for another year. He could be a good mentor to a young QB that they bring in. Leftwich apparantly gets hurt watching film of games. You would think he's the 40 year old.

SteelersCanada

02-28-2013, 02:41 PM

Jerrod Johnson isn't busy.

steelfury02

02-28-2013, 02:43 PM

Charlie's helped bail this team out enough times to earn the right to walk away IMO - would be glad to have him back - he is the ultimate team-first kinda guy:tt04:

GMU Steeler

02-28-2013, 02:46 PM

I'll take Charlie back. But not Leftwich. I like the dude but he's too injury prone. Take one of them back (I'd choose Charlie) and get another one in FA for cheap. Saw someone suggest Matt Cassel who is expected to be cut following the Alex SMith did in KC. I'd get someone who's fairly young (read under 30 or just about 30) who has started before and done okay but has since shown that they're more likely to be a backup. We got really fortunate with Charlie I have to admit though considering he's a hometown guy and has been very good in a pinch as the backup for nearly a decade now.

austinfrench76

02-28-2013, 03:20 PM

What about Matt Cassell? H eplayed for Haley, not well, but as a backup he may be alright. Look what he did in NE as a Backup. Also, should come fairly cheap and should have many years left in the tank. Chaz as a 3rd teamer works though.

GMU Steeler

02-28-2013, 03:26 PM

What about Matt Cassell? H eplayed for Haley, not well, but as a backup he may be alright. Look what he did in NE as a Backup. Also, should come fairly cheap and should have many years left in the tank. Chaz as a 3rd teamer works though.

I like the idea. He really fits what I'd want in a backup. Someone who has started, is reasonably young, and the bonus here is he knows our OC's system.

kent

02-28-2013, 03:43 PM

Here's to Ben playing all the games and the backups being irrelevant.

Buddha Bus

02-28-2013, 03:46 PM

Agreed. As long as it means Lefty is gone and we get a young QB to groom as a number two. I like Charlie and his veteran presence is needed now more than ever. No need to jettison both he and Leftwich.

OX1947

02-28-2013, 04:44 PM

Cassell would be there perfect back up. Batch as the 3.

FrancoLambert

02-28-2013, 04:53 PM

Cassell would be there perfect back up. Batch as the 3.

You beat me to it.
If Batch comes back it better be at #3.
We need a definite uprade right behind Ben.
Let Lefty walk. :egg:

TheVet

02-28-2013, 06:26 PM

I'll miss Lefty, he had a true major league windup. Maybe the Pirates could pick him up.

Edman

02-28-2013, 06:43 PM

No problem with Charlie coming back. Though only as an emergency #3 Guy.

Cassell would be the ideal back up but can we afford him? Isn't he due a lot of money this year?

pittpete

02-28-2013, 06:47 PM

Vet minimum for Batch would be $940,000
Bit pricey for a 3rd stringer IMO

pittpete

02-28-2013, 06:48 PM

Cassell would be the ideal back up but can we afford him? Isn't he due a lot of money this year?

If the Chiefs cut him cut him, they owe him nothing.

steeltheone

02-28-2013, 07:01 PM

I like the idea. He really fits what I'd want in a backup. Someone who has started, is reasonably young, and the bonus here is he knows our OC's system.

We can not afford Matt Cassell

zcoop

02-28-2013, 07:12 PM

We can not afford Matt Cassell

Why would we even want him?

pittpete

02-28-2013, 07:30 PM

Why did we want Leftwich?

steeltheone

02-28-2013, 07:45 PM

Why would we even want him?

He would be a solid backup on a good team ( like he was in New England ) He just cant shoulder a team.

zcoop

02-28-2013, 07:47 PM

Why did we want Leftwich?

Good question, I never understand that move either.

Lady Steel

02-28-2013, 11:09 PM

Leftwich can take a hike. I never did like him. I'm glad Charlie is stickin' around. We will need him against the Ravens. :chuckle:

map27steelers

02-28-2013, 11:39 PM

Np disrespect meant to Charlie Batch, but enough already... We need a younger backup. I would have take Dennis Dixon back too. When Ben goes down as he usually does we are screwed.... Please draft someone late to groom....

Even though many believed his emotional win over the Ravens in Week 13 was the final of his career, Batch seems pretty confident he will be on the roster when the 2013 season opens.

Apparently, Charlie Batch expects to be with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2013, because he told Tim Benz and Bob McLaughlin of WXNX in Pittsburgh he had little reason to believe he wouldn't.

Nevermind the fact he is no longer under contract. According to Batch:

"My plan is to come back, and I haven't heard anything differently from the organization. And I think when you leave out of there at the end-of-the-year meetings, you know one way or the other. And they didn't tell me that they didn't want me back. So I think that's a good sign."

Batch began the 2012 season as the third-string quarterback behind franchise leader Ben Roethlisberger and experienced backup Byron Leftwich. When both Roethlisberger and Leftwich suffered rib injuries in the middle of the season, Batch stepped in to lead the team to one of it's most embarrassing losses, and one of it's most emotional victories ever.

He will turn 39 years old in 2013, the primary reason why many believed he would retire following the end of the 2012 season. However, Batch doesn't seem to feel like age has anything to do with it. He still feels capable and viable, and believes the team still wants his veteran experience and leadership on the sidelines.

Pittsburgh currently has only two passers under contract: Roethlisberger and recently claimed John Parker Wilson. It is unknown whether the team will invite Leftwich back to camp to compete for one of the two backup spots behind Roethlisberger, or if the team will draft a quarterback for the same purpose. The team kept four quarterbacks heading into the 2012 preseason, with the fourth guy - Jerrod Johnson - becoming a victim of final cuts.

If Batch does receive another contract offer and survive pre-season cuts, he will be participating in his 16th season in the NFL, an astonishing feat for any player regardless of statistical performance or depth chart rankings.